Friday, 12 September 2014

I often wish there were more hours in the day!! I've had 2 CREATE and CRAFT TV shows to prepare since I last blogged andnow I'm working on the next one for October 11th ... Never adull moment here in my workshop!

This little gift of my TWISTED STEM EARRING Tutorial has eminated from my last show, which featured a JIG and WIRE TWISTING demonstration. I was particularly impressed with the twisting tool as it was so small, portable and did the job! In the past, I've always twisted wires with my hand drill which is a lot more bulky, so I highly recommend this little gadget!

1. If you like long,elegant earrings, you'regoing to love this project!

Start by twisting 3 lengths of 0.8mm (20-gauge) wire together ... or more, if you feel so inclined. Then, cut the length into two 3" (7.5cm)pieces.

2. Using your chain nosed pliers, hold the twisted cable about an inch in at one end and UN-TWIST with yourflat nosed pliers to separate the wires out at each end.Leave about 1" (2.5cm) of twist at the centre of each length.

3. Take one ofthe projectingwires at eachend (on eachstalk) and wraparound the stem to secure the twistat the centre of each stalk.

4. It's up to you, but you can either cutoff the projecting wires (leaving justone as link at each end) OR create small,spirals to flatten over the wrapped wires underneath. This also provides a little extradetail and decoration to your earring stems. Use your flat nose pliers to straighten out the projecting wires at the top and base of each stalk and stroke it flat with the nylon end of the Whammer on a steel block.

5. Gently Whammer the central twisted cable on a steel block to spread and flatten slightlyand using your round nosed pliers, create top and baselinks on each end of the twisted stems. (P.S.*This is also a good technique for creatingstalk like chain links).

6. To create the finished earrings, suspend fromear wires and attach with beads of your choice!

Above - you'll see something more bold, whilstbelow ...

... pearly and girly. Dainty and elegant!I do hope you enjoy experimenting with this tutorial!Try twisting more colourful wires for a chunkier, morevibrant look! ********************************************Now back to the shows I've just done forCREATE and CRAFT TV with beautiful materialsand products from BEADS DIRECT!I've had to make lots of samples and thought youmight want a tiny sneak peak at some of them if you'vemissed the shows ... a little inspiration can always go a long way! One of my shows was based on demonstrating the wonders of the Coiling Gizmo - a simple, yet brilliant tool!which in my mind, should take over from thecurrent Loom Band craze! Here are a few Gizmomadness to whet your appetites ...

I think that's probably enough for the time being, asI can hear a few yawns in the background! Anyhow, THANK YOU to LeRoy Goertz for inventing sucha neat wire gadget! I also created lots of Celtic samples to back upthe projects from one of my books called:Wire and Bead Celtic Jewellery Here are a few of the pieces: